Martin Short to headline Laugh Out Loud Gala benefiting Trillium Health Partners Foundation

Gerry Dee returns as emcee and opening act

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Trillium Health Partners Foundation announced actor-comedian Martin Short will headline the Laugh Out Loud Gala on February 8, 2014 in support of life-saving emergency medicine at Trillium Health Partners.

"Martin Short is an icon and we are delighted he can come to share his many talents with us at Laugh Out Loud," says Steve Hoscheit, president & CEO, Trillium Health Partners Foundation. "He is described as one of the funniest men in Hollywood and we know it's going to be a tremendous night in support of our hospital. We are very appreciative of Square One Shopping Centre for being our entertainment sponsor and helping to ensure a night like no other."

Last year, over 1,000 people attended the sold out Laugh Out Loud event that raised money for the surgical program at Credit Valley Hospital. This year, funds are being raised to support the Emergency program across all three hospitals of Trillium Health Partners (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre), with a particular emphasis on raising the critical dollars needed towards the upcoming redevelopment and expansion of the Emergency Department at Credit Valley Hospital.

Presenting the event is Trillium Health Partners Foundation, the new foundation formed after the recent amalgamation of The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation and Trillium Health Centre Foundation. In addition to the many comedic personalities and talents of Martin Short, comedy star Gerry Dee is returning to the Laugh Out Loud stage to open the evening and to act as emcee.

"Every Emergency Department is like the front door into the health care system," comments Hoscheit. "Only one in three people in our community have a family doctor, which means more people are using the Emergency Department as their source of primary care. That's just a reality, as is our growing, and aging population who depend our services. We need to ensure our front door is well equipped and prepared to ensure exceptional patient care every time."

"Our hospital is already a provincial leader in terms of reducing ED wait times, despite the fact that it treated more than 98,000 people in a space designed for 55,000 at Credit Valley. Our team is phenomenal and I know our community supports the need to give our teams the resources and tools they need to deliver outstanding health care," says Hoscheit.

The evening's theme will take guests to experience New York, as homage to Short's Broadway connections. Live entertainment will be followed by an after party of desserts and dancing. Tickets for Laugh Out Loud are currently on sale by calling the Foundation at 905-813-4123 or by visiting www.lol4trillium.com. Joining Square One at this time as sponsors are Longo's as the returning dinner sponsor, and Yorkville Asset Management as the VIP Reception sponsor.

To learn more about Laugh Out Loud or to make a donation in support of advanced emergency medicine at Trillium Health Partners, please visit www.trilliumgiving.ca.

NOTE TO MEDIA: a high-resolution photo and biography of Martin Short is available upon request.

About Trillium Health Partners Foundation

Trillium Health Partners Foundation was formed in July 2013 upon the successful amalgamation of Trillium Health Centre Foundation and The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation. Together as one foundation, Trillium Health Partners Foundation is dedicated to raising the critical funds needed to address the highest priority needs of Trillium Health Partners, one of the largest community-based acute care facilities in Canada. Trillium Health Partners is comprised of The Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre.

About Trillium Health Partners

Trillium Health Partners is one of the largest community-based acute care facilities in Canada. Comprised of Credit Valley Hospital, the Mississauga Hospital and the Queensway Health Centre, Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities. Trillium Health Partners is a research and teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto Mississauga and the Mississauga Academy of Medicine.

SOURCE: Trillium Health Partners Foundation

Amy Raposo
Associate, Media & Public Relations
Trillium Health Partners Foundation
Office: 905-848-7580, ext. 3299
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]